Comparing tear structure in menopausal and non-menopausal women

Difference of Tear Ferning Between Pre-and Post-menopausal Women and Between Post-menopausal Women with or Without Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Not applicable Interventional Chung Shan Medical University · NCT06848829

This study is testing how menopause affects tear quality and production in women, including those on hormone therapy, to see if there are differences between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorChung Shan Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taichung, Taiwan)
Trial IDNCT06848829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study analyzes the differences in tear ferning patterns between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women, including those receiving hormone replacement therapy. It involves collecting tear and blood samples to perform an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay related to menopause. Additionally, measurements of tear volume, osmolarity, intraocular pressure, and tear break-up time are conducted to assess dry eye conditions. The goal is to better understand how menopause affects tear production and quality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 20 to 65, both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal.

Not a fit: Patients with existing ocular diseases or those in vulnerable groups may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for dry eye syndromes in menopausal women.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, studies on tear ferning and menopause have shown promising results in understanding dry eye conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 20 and 65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* No evident ocular diseases such as cornea, cataracts, vitreous degeneration, glaucoma, and retinopathy.
* Belong to vulnerable groups(pregnancy woman, prisoner, ethical minorities, economic or educationally disadvantaged subjects, disabled individuals such as those at terminal stage of tumorigenesis, blindness, terminal ill individuals)

Where this trial is running

Taichung, Taiwan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Dry Eye SyndromesDry Eye diagnosisTear ferningmenopause
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.